Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy

Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy

Jul 01 2026 - Aug 15 2026

Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy is an exhibition of four large-scale collaged portraits envisioning Lady Liberty, Justice, Freedom, and Forward progress, showcasing the central role of women in the democratic process–from early 20th century suffragists to first-time voters today–uniting generations of creative resistance. This work is traveling throughout the midwest in conjunction with the League of Women Voters and serves to honor the enduring power of the vote and the way art advances movements of change. 

These works are made from discarded stencil paper and leftover paint used during the 2020 installation of Shepard Fairy’s Voting Rights Are Human Rights mural in Milwaukee, and were completed by a large team of working artists and volunteers, including volunteers from the League of Women Voters and the Girl Scouts, over the course of ten months. 

At its core, Pillars of Democracy shows that democracy is not abstract—it is something we actively build, sustain, and strengthen in our everyday lives and communities.

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The Contemporary Dayton

Niki Johnson: PIllars of Democracy is taking place at The Contemporary Dayton, which is located at 25 W 4th Street in Dayton. The Contemporary Dayton - The Contemporary Dayton is a non-profit gallery and artist resource that provides art for the community and a community for artists. (Formerly Dayton Visual Arts Center / DVAC).